James Howard Ellis passed away at his home in Aberdeen on April 4, 2026 at the age
of 89. He was born on July 10, 1936, in Bellingham, Washington to parents Raymond
Howard Ellis and Grace Laura Ellis (Myers). He graduated from Hoquiam High School
in 1954 and married Ruby Van Beek in 1955. He served in the United States Army
National Guard from 1953-1961. He started working as an apprentice machinist at
Lamb Grays Harbor Company in 1963, became a journeyman in 1967, pursued a
career in accounting and retired in 1985 as Cost Accounting Supervisor. He married
Shirley Knight on September 30, 1972, in Hoquiam, Washington and worked as a real
estate agent for Century 21 Peterman Real Estate. After retirement from Lamb Grays
Harbor, he held numerous accounting positions at various firms in Grandview,
Washington, Modesto, California and Reno, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He
returned to Grays Harbor and worked in accounting at Grays Harbor College, retiring in
2004.

James was a lifetime member of the Hoquiam Elks Lodge since 1969, where he held all
offices including Exalted Ruler from 1975-1976 and 2002-2003. He enjoyed many
different hobbies including crossword puzzles, classic cars, swimming, boating,
collecting watches and coins, old TV shows and movies, and could play the guitar,
ukulele, harmonica and drums. (James was a drummer in the H.H.S. band). He loved
Sousa marches, detective novels, mysteries and thrillers, his pets, and animals. But
most of all, he loved his family and friends, immensely.

James is survived by his daughters Joni (Kim) Skinner of Cosmopolis, Christine
(Shawn) Hill of Montesano, and Julie Merrill of Hoquiam; sister Lois West of Hoquiam;
grandchildren Mason, Christopher, Laura and Micheal; great-grandchildren Lance,
Jesse, and Jordan; great-great grandchild Jace; as well as numerous nieces, nephews,
and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ellis; sons Allen Knight and Brant Knight;
and brother Richard Vidmore.

Viewing will take place at Harrison Family Mortuary on Wednesday, April 15 th from 10:00
am to 12:00 pm. The graveside service will be held at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen
on Friday, April 17 th at 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hoquiam Elks
Lodge #1082 on Sunday, April 26 th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Donations can be made in memory of James to the Washington Elks Therapy Program
for Children, Inc., PO Box 110760, Tacoma, WA 98411-0760.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.